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Environmental Film Fest

The 11th annual Environmental Film Fest will be held from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, in the Olin Center at Augustana College, 733 35th St. Rock Island, Ill. Admission is free and doors open at 10:30 a.m.

Movies roll at 11 a.m. Healthy snacks and drinks will be provided. There will be fun and inspirational 5-minute short films before the feature films.

Schedule

Musicwood

"For hundreds of years guitars have been made the same way, but now, this could all change. "Musicwood" is an adventure-filled journey, a political thriller with music at its heart. An unusual band of the most famous guitar-makers in the world travel into the heart of one of the most primeval rainforests on the planet. Their mission: to negotiate with Native American loggers and change the way this forest is logged before it's too late for acoustic guitars.

"'Musicwood' is a culture clash of staggering proportions. Native Americans who've been given a notoriously raw deal from the U.S. government are distrustful of the white man telling them what to do. Enter Greenpeace, a radical environmental group, and soon all are battling over a forest that is the last of its kind on the planet." (Musicwoodthefilm.com)

"Even if you can't tell the difference between a soundboard and a fretboard, "Musicwood" will hold your attention." — Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times Critics' Pick

Mysteries of the Driftless

"What strange forces saved one isolated section along the Upper Mississippi River from the repeated crushing and scouring effects of glaciers during the last 2 million years? And what pre-Ice Age throwbacks survived here in this unique geologic refuge that holds more Native American effigy mounds, petroglyph caves, strange geological features, and rare species than anywhere in the Midwest?

"These questions and more are answered in this captivating new documentary. A team of scientists embarks on a journey of exploration to expose both the science and threats behind three unique features of the zone — rare plants and animals, odd geological phenomenon, and striking remnants of a Native American pilgrimage like no other." (IMDB.com)

"That's why the film has been successful. It showcases genuine stories of discovery that mix science with humor and human experiences." — George Howe, biologist

Executive producers of 'Mysteries of the Driftless'

1:30 p.m. (30 min.)

Biologist, documentary producer and former conservation director of the Mississippi Valley Conservancy, George Howe (left) and fellow producer, filmmaker, conservationist and inspirational speaker, Tim Jacobson (right), will speak after the screening of their film, "Mysteries of the Driftless."

They will discuss the ecology, geology and archaeology of the Driftless Region of the Upper Midwest, environmental conservation and their newest film project.

The documentary won an Emmy for top documentary in the Midwest in 2014.

Merchants of Doubt

"Inspired by the acclaimed book by Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway, "Merchants of Doubt" takes audiences on a satirically comedic, yet illuminating ride into the heart of conjuring American spin.

"Filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the curtain on a secretive group of highly charismatic, silver-tongued pundits-for-hire who present themselves in the media as scientific authorities — yet have the contrary aim of spreading maximum confusion about well-studied public threats ranging from toxic chemicals to pharmaceuticals to climate change." (Sonyclassics.com)

Just Eat It

"We all love food. So how could we possibly be throwing nearly 50 percent of it in the trash?

"Filmmakers and food lovers Jen and Grant dive into the issue of waste from farm, through retail, all the way to the back of their own fridge. After catching a glimpse of the billions of dollars of good food that is tossed each year in North America, they pledge to quit grocery shopping and survive only on foods that would otherwise be thrown away.

"The images they capture of squandered groceries are both shocking and strangely compelling. But as Grant's addictive personality turns full tilt towards food rescue, the 'thrill of the find' has unexpected consequences.

"'Just Eat It' looks at our systemic obsession with expiration dates, perfect produce and portion sizes, and reveals the core of this seemingly insignificant issue that is having devastating consequences around the globe." (Foodwastemovie.com)